Cannabis in the Cook Islands

Cannabis in the Cook Islands

Location of the Cook Islands (red)
Medicinal	Legal
Recreational	Illegal

Cannabis in the Cook Islands is illegal for recreational purposes. A non-binding referendum to legalise it for medicinal purposes passed with 62% in 2022, ^[1] and medicinal cannabis became legal on 2 July 2024. ^[2]

In 2010, Cook Islands Police and New Zealand Police launched Operation Eagle, arresting the son of a prominent local politician, and two former police officers. ^[3]

References

1. "Cook Islands looks into producing medicinal cannabis itself". RNZ. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
2. "Medicinal cannabis now permitted in Cook Islands with prescription". Islands Business . 10 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
3. Wall, Tony. "Cop used dope for stress". Stuff . Retrieved 9 October 2025.